Valencia Street, S.F.: Wandering through this portion of the Mission District, a medley of gritty and chic, leads to many discoveries. Watch an artist create the latest mural in an alley, satiate your hunger at a no-frills taqueria on the corner, go for a swim and then survey oddities, art and clothing, ceramics and textiles.

1. Clarion Alley Mural Project

Clarion Alley (between Valencia and Mission streets at 17th Street): Tourists with cell phones and cameras in hand capture images of the dozens of shifting murals on Clarion Alley, which range from the poignant to the political. A group of local artists founded the project more than 20 years ago. http://on.fb.me/19AzILo.

2. Taqueria El Buen Sabor

699 Valencia St.: Join the regulars picking up tacos made with fresh fish, hot off the grill, and topped with rice, lettuce, sour cream and salsa; super vegetarian burritos containing beans, rice and lettuce; or the carne asada dinner plate served with rice, beans, salad and tortillas. (415) 552-8816.

3. Mission Pool and Playground

19th and Linda streets: As part of an extensive, $7.9 million renovation project encompassing the Mission Pool and Playground, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department recently debuted the revamped Mission pool. It offers blocks of time for doing focused laps or taking a leisurely dip. http://bit.ly/1ctVFvl.

4. Paxton Gate

824 Valencia St.: A horse skull, butterflies encased in frames and a taxidermy baboon are among the strange things you'll find at Paxton Gate. Devoted to the more peculiar aspects of natural sciences and gardening, it feels partially like a natural history museum and partially like Grandpa's attic. (415) 824-1872. www.paxtongate.com.

5. City Art Cooperative Gallery

828 Valencia St.: A cooperative gallery operated and owned by artists since 1998, City Art presents monthly exhibitions highlighting works among its more than 150 artist members. The current group show, which includes Mike Kimball's "Dockside 2009" and John Kraft's "Racing the Moon," runs through Aug. 31. (415) 970-9900. www.cityartgallery.org.

6. Gravel & Gold

3266 21st St.: The painted images of breasts for the print of the blouse in Gravel & Gold's front window hint at the spirited personality of this boutique. Celebrating makers and focusing on San Francisco artists, the shop features Gemini dresses from its own line, leather envelope bags designed by Holly Samuelsen and more. (415) 552-0112. www.gravelandgold.com.